Why I am wild about my Hector and George Coat for my wild water swimming!

## Why My Hector & George Coat Is My Cold-Water Swim Companion

There’s something wildly exhilarating about stepping into a cold lake at dawn — the mist rising, the water biting, the world still. I took up wild swimming a few years ago. Like many, it began as a lockdown escape, but it’s since become a weekly ritual that grounds me, refreshes me, and reminds me I’m alive.

But as much as I romanticise the plunge, let’s not pretend: coming *out* of that water can be brutal. That’s where my Hector & George coat comes into its own. And honestly, I’d go so far as to say it’s as essential as my swimsuit.

### It’s Warm — Properly Warm

When you’ve braved 8-degree water, you don’t need *cute*. You need *serious insulation*. The fleece lining on my Hector & George coat is nothing short of glorious — thick, cosy, and quick to warm me up the moment I zip myself in. It’s like being hugged by a Labrador that’s just come out of the tumble dryer.

And because it’s long, it covers that awkward thigh-chattering zone — you know the one — while the generous sleeves (and those fabulous inner cuffs) keep my hands and arms from freezing solid.

### Modesty Without the Faff

I don’t know about you, but I’ve done my time trying to wriggle out of a damp swimsuit under a towel, contorting myself like a magician’s assistant. Not anymore. My Hector & George coat is roomy enough to change under without risking flashing the entire car park. Dignity intact.

It zips from both ends too — clever little detail that makes all the difference when you need to move or change quickly.

### Looks the Part

Let’s face it — wild swimming is rugged, but I still like to feel a little put together. My coat looks smart enough that I can wear it to and from the lake without resembling a mobile sleeping bag. The design is understated but stylish, and it doesn’t scream “I’ve just been swimming in the North Sea” when I pop into the café after.

(And yes, I do love when someone stops me and asks, “Where did you get that coat?”)

### Built for the Elements

Whether I’m peeling off my wetsuit in sideways rain or drying off under grey November skies, this coat can handle it. The outer shell is waterproof and windproof — no damp shoulders, no icy gusts cutting through — just solid protection, whatever the forecast.

I’ve even used mine as a windbreak on the beach, a picnic blanket in a pinch, and once, as an emergency pillow for a knackered teenager after a hike.

### Worth Every Penny

If you’re a fellow swimmer, you’ll know — cold water gets into your bones. A good coat makes all the difference to whether the swim feels invigorating or just… miserable. The Hector & George coat isn’t just a post-swim layer. It’s part of the ritual, the reward, the warmth that makes it all worthwhile.

So, if you’re thinking about taking the plunge — literally — make sure you’ve got the right kit. And trust me: start with the coat.

See you in the water.

*— Written by a wild-swimming, tea-drinking, fleece-loving enthusiast who knows the value of a warm hug in coat form.*